Microsoft Recall: What You Need to Know About the AI-Powered Screenshot Feature

Do you remember Microsoft Recall? It has been nearly a year since Microsoft first introduced and then quickly retracted its AI-driven, auto-screenshotting feature intended for Copilot+ PCs. Now, whether you like it or not, Recall is making a comeback. It’s essential to get familiar with this feature not just for yourself but also for your friends, family, and coworkers who might be using it.

Recall is Back: What to Expect

According to Microsoft’s recent blog post, Recall will be gradually rolled out to beta users in the coming weeks as part of Windows Insider build KB5055627. Similar to what Microsoft showcased in May 2024, Recall automatically captures screenshots of most applications, websites, and documents you interact with. Its advanced on-device AI categorizes these screenshots, allowing users to search through them and quickly navigate back to the pages they were viewing. For those who struggle to remember which webpage they visited yesterday, this feature could prove to be very handy. Microsoft is expected to demo the revamped Recall at its Build conference starting on May 19.

Storage and Privacy Implications of Recall

However, there are several caveats to be aware of. As outlined on the feature’s about page, Recall will utilize part of your storage space, specifically allocating a dedicated 150 GB on SSDs that are 1 TB or larger. Users can also set how long they want these screenshots to be retained, with the settings conveniently located under Privacy & Security in Recall & Snapshots.

While Recall can enhance productivity, it also raises significant privacy and security concerns. Initially, Microsoft had to pull the feature after security experts identified critical vulnerabilities. These flaws allowed unrestricted access to sensitive data captured by Recall, such as banking details and Social Security numbers. Now, users must enroll in Windows Hello biometric security or set a PIN to access the captured screenshots. Moreover, users have the option to pause screenshotting or exclude specific applications and webpages (limited to Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Chrome). However, reports suggest that Recall may still fail to recognize sensitive information like bank details, leaving users responsible for maintaining their privacy.

How to Enable or Disable Recall

Upon updating your device with this feature, users will be prompted to enable or disable Recall at startup. To disable it post-installation, simply search for “Turn Windows features on or off” in the Windows 11 taskbar and uncheck the Recall option. Though tempting for those with poor memory or file-management skills, my experiences with the original Recall indicated it was user-friendly yet potentially invasive, as like other on-device AI search functions (think Google Photos), it could uncover documents you’d prefer to keep private.

Security Concerns for Everyday Users

Some Windows users particularly focused on security may have concerns about this feature. While Recall can be disabled alongside other pre-installed Windows applications, not every less-tech-savvy family member will know how to do so. A security blogger recently highlighted on Mastodon (via Ars Technica) that if users send sensitive images or information to family members, they could inadvertently be captured by Recall—even without their knowledge.

For users concerned about privacy, it is essential not to share sensitive information through unsecured text or email applications. However, let’s face it: many users are entrenched in platforms like Discord or Messenger and may not readily switch to more secure options. Ideally, to improve user security, Microsoft might consider disabling Recall by default, requiring users to actively enable it, or making it available as a separate download. Personally, while Recall has its attractions, I would hesitate to use it on my primary home PC, especially when that 150 GB could be better utilized for gaming storage (which, in today’s environment, might be equivalent to downloading an entire Baldur’s Gate III).

FAQ: Understanding Microsoft Recall Better

1. What is Microsoft Recall?

Microsoft Recall is an AI-powered feature that automatically takes screenshots of the applications, documents, and websites you use. These screenshots are indexed, allowing you to search and revisit pages easily.

2. How does Recall affect my device’s storage?

Recall allocates a dedicated portion of your device’s storage for the screenshots it captures. For SSDs larger than 1TB, it typically uses around 150GB.

3. Is Microsoft Recall secure?

While improved, Microsoft Recall poses privacy and security risks if sensitive information is inadvertently captured. Users must take precautions to exclude specific applications from screenshotting.

4. How do I disable Microsoft Recall?

You can disable Recall by searching for “Turn Windows features on or off” in your Windows 11 taskbar and unchecking the Recall option.

5. Where can I learn more about Recall?

You can find more information on Recall and its functionalities by visiting Microsoft’s official blog page.

Conclusion: Is Recall Worth Using?

Ultimately, the decision to use Microsoft Recall will come down to personal preference and comfort with privacy settings. It offers a unique utility for many, but it’s important to approach this feature with a clear understanding of its implications.